She Broke the Glass Ceiling

We are saddened today to learn of the death of Geraldine Ferraro. She was an historic feminist, a compassionate humanitarian and a role model for generations of women and girls seeking to break the glass ceiling. She was a champion for women’s rights during her three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, but of course she’s most remembered for her historic run for vice president in 1984. As Ferraro traveled the country, she attracted huge crowds eager to vote for a woman for such a high office.

Aside from her political accomplishments, she provided courageous inspiration to millions of people combatting cancer, and helped countless people fighting multiple myeloma.

I had the privilege of working on women’s issues with Gerry for many years, and also saw her compassion and strength in action as she helped a dear friend of mine in her own struggle against multiple myeloma. We will miss her very much.

Comments

Remembering when she was named as the VP nominee by Mondale in that historic speech– I cried with joy on the phone with my grandmother in Brooklyn as we both watched it on television. It was one of the most memorable moments of my life.

I was one of the 23 women leaders who met with Mondale July 4, 1984 to ask that he consider a woman as his VP nominee. Each of us gave our reasons for this request as the conversation moved around the table that day. It is a fact that all 23 of us had valid, worthwhile, and memorable reasons to believe a woman is what would bring balance to this country. Mondale, to his credit, decided to choose Gerry Ferraro. Unfortunately, as Gerry herself said much later, only God Herself could have defeated Reagan. It took 24 more years for Hillary Clinton to get close to the presidential nomination and Sarah Palin became the McCain's VP nominee. The flame of hope burns steadily and no one can extinguish it.